Free Fishing Weekend Draws Crowds to LDWF Family Fish Fest

(June 10, 2014) – During this weekend’s annual Free Fishing Weekend, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries held its third Family Fish Fest at Myrtle Grove Marina. The event was a great opportunity to introduce children to the joys and excitement of a day on the water catching fish. Not only is fishing a great family activity, it helps make us more aware of our natural environment.

Participants enjoyed a fun-filled day of fishing and event winners took home loads of prizes.

Launched earlier this year, Family Fish Fest events are designed to increase youth and family involvement in fishing and fisheries conservation. Each event includes fishing opportunities with live redfish and speckled trout tagging at all saltwater locations.

Winners include Little Angler Redfish first place, Maddie Schieble; second place, Mark Wilson, III; Team Wham Slam first place, Mark Wilson, Sr.; Team Catch-N-Count first place, Beverly Squarsich; Team Crab Grab first place, Kira Stevens. Additional prizes were given to those who brought in extra live redfish and trout to be tagged by the Department as part of the Louisiana Cooperative Marine Fish Tagging Program.

Our next Family Fish Fest, hosted in partnership with the Coastal Conservation Association Specks and Spots Tournament, is scheduled for June 28 at the Quintana Pavilion at Cypremort Point State Park. Family Fish Fest activities will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Participants who bring in a live speckled trout or redfish to be tagged and released will receive a raffle ticket with the chance to win numerous prizes. Adults will receive an additional raffle ticket for each youth entered.

LDWF Family Fish Fest is hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation. The LWFF was formed to provide a means for individuals and corporations to become partners with the Department and Commission in the challenge of conserving Louisiana’s wildlife and fisheries resources.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.